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Dr. Dana McNeil

Dana is a gifted, compassionate, and practical therapist and the founder of The Relationship Place. Dana has achieved the highest level of training possible in the Gottman Method of couples therapy. She has special interests in working with all clients, including those who live out-of-the-ordinary lives or have alternative relationships.

human element in therapy

The Indispensable Human Element in Therapy

Couples Counseling /

The Unmatched Value of Human-to-Human Interaction in Therapy In an age where technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is making inroads into various sectors, the field of therapy reaffirms the unparalleled importance of human interaction. Despite technological advancements, the human touch in therapy remains irreplaceable. Understanding Emotions: Beyond AI’s Reach The Depth of Human Empathy Therapy is deeply rooted in empathy, a human attribute that goes far beyond the analytical capabilities of AI. A therapist’s ability […]

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The Effects Of Eggshell Parenting

Parenting /

What is eggshell parenting? “Eggshell” parenting is a term that refers to a style of responses or behaviors from a caregiver that are demonstrated as inconsistent boundaries, frequent emotional ups and downs that are often volatile, unpredictable, and have inconsistent themes or triggers that bring them on.  What are some telltale signs of eggshell parenting? The signs are generally seen as inappropriate or overly reactive responses in the way the parent engages with the child.

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Curious Vs Furious

Relationship /

Find something you can validate in what the other person is saying and receive their perspective like someone that you love and respect. Why is it so important that your partner feels exactly the same way as you do???? “It’s ok and expected that couples will not agree and that conflict will occur. Not just on politics but on likely many aspects of their relationship. CONFLICT IS NORMAL! People can have the same political view

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self care for love life

Self-Care For Love Life

Relationship /

How would you define self-care? (Trying to explain how it’s not so much about baths and pedicures as it is about caring for yourself as a human and prioritizing your mental/physical/emotional needs.) Anyone who is in a relationship in which you seek to be able to take care of the needs of others requires that you invest as much time and energy into your own care as you give to the people you love. Self-care is

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toxic friendships

Weeding Out Toxic Friendships

Relationship /

Fall/winter is usually pretty low energy in general, and although we know socializing is good for us, it can be tougher to self-motivate to get together with friends. Is it normal to feel like you have less energy to give to your platonic relationships when the days are shorter/darker, and why? During fall and winter, most of us settle into a “wintering” or nesting frame of mind, spirit, and body. For some people, the production

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signs of codependency

8 Warning Signs Of Codependency In A Relationship

Relationship /

Co-dependency is a behavior that is often developed in childhood as a response to growing up with caregivers who were inconsistent with their attention or support. When children don’t have consistent parental behaviors that can be relied on or feel conditional, they often develop coping skills that place the needs of the adults above the child. Children develop these responses in order to survive childhood and as a way of trying to keep in their

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Can I Do The Gottman Method On My Own?

Couples Counseling /

Dr. Dana McNeil, the Founder of The Relationship Place, answers the question, “Can I do the Gottman Method on my own?” While it is possible to get the book and do the Gottman Method yourself, it can be difficult to stick with it. Having a therapist or counselor who can guide you on how to put it into practice, explain the reality of it, and show what it looks like in real life will benefit

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couples therapy vs individual therapy

Why Should I Look For A Couple’s Therapist Instead Of An Individual Therapist?

Couples Counseling /

Dana McNeil, the Founder of The Relationship Place, explains why you should look for a couple’s therapist instead of an individual therapist. Somebody who is a couple’s therapist has different tools and approaches than somebody who is an individual therapist. Therapists for individuals support you, mirror back what you’re feeling, and ultimately help you figure out the answer you’ve had all along. Somebody who is a couple’s therapist is trained to be a neutral party.

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What do I do if my spouse is a narcissist?

Narcissist /

Dr. Dana McNeil, the Founder of The Relationship Place, answers the question, “What do I do if my spouse is a narcissist?” If your partner is a narcissist, they won’t go to therapy because they truly believe they are perfect. Narcissism is a personality disorder that has been with somebody their whole life. If they are willing to change that behavior, therapy can be a great help. It is important, before labeling your partner, to

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how to deal with narcissistic parents

How to Deal With A Narcissistic Parent

Family Therapy /

Acceptance Emotionally healthy children grow up with the need to develop their internal sense of self and should learn to develop autonomy with parents who are emotionally available enough to foster these traits in a warm and supportive environment. Unfortunately, not all parents are equipped to help their children learn to develop those skills for themselves, especially if the parent possess a personality disorder such as narcissism. Some parents with narcissistic personality disorder can miss

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